Chapter 232
“I’ve always seen you as my mentor, someone I looked up to on my journey with the piano,” Olivia said, her voice trembling with hurt. “To hear you say something like this… I just She looked so lost and vulnerable that it tugged at everyone’s heart.
All around, people started giving her sympathetic looks.
“Not her original? Olivia’s already won a bunch of composition awards before this competition. It’s honestly not surprising she could create something like this.”
“Even if she’s the president of the Piano Association, she can’t just accuse a kid without proof. That kind of accusation could ruin someone’s whole life.”
“That’s right. Being a judge doesn’t give you the right to crush a student’s reputation. We want justice for Olivia.”
“Laura, if you’re saying this piece isn’t hers, show us the evidence
Most of the voices shouting out belonged to Olivia’s fans.
The whole event spiraled into chaos after the plagiarism claim. The atmosphere grew tense and messy, with people talking over each other. Even the other judges seemed stunned by Laura’s sudden accusation, staring at her in confusion.
“Laura, what’s going on with you?”
“We all know how impressive this piece is. Whoever wrote it must be a true star in the piano world.”
“Are you sure you’re not mistaken? None of us have ever heard this piece before.” Maybe she just heard something similar and got mixed up?
As the crowd rallied around her,
Olivia felt her fear slip away. She had the original manuscript, and the true composer had passed away more than ten years ago. Unless
Charlotte’s mother somehow camer
back from the dead, no one could expose her. There was nothing to worry about if anyone decided to investigate.
“Laura, I think there’s a misunderstanding between us,” Olivia said, playing the part of the humble and innocent student.
Laura just let out a short, bitter laugh. She was amazed by Olivia’s guts and by how easily the crowd swallowed her act.
“My entire life, I’ve never once smeared anyone’s name,” Laura replied. “If I’m making this accusation in front of everyone, I obviously have proof.”
Proof? Deep down, Olivia felt a flicker of panic, but mostly, she just thought the idea was laughable.
“If you really doubt me, Laura, I can bring out the original manuscript right now,” Olivia said, her confidence growing. “I’m even willing to post it online for the world to see. If the supposed original composer exists, let them come and report me.”
When Laura didn’t respond, Olivia pressed her advantage. “If you still don’t believe me, and you’re so sure I stole it, why not bring the original composer here? Let’s settle this face-to-face.”
Laura couldn’t help but find the whole performance ridiculous. Olivia wasn’t just bold, she was completely shameless. Did she really think she could outsmart her? She was in way over her head.
“This piece was actually written by Echo, a world-famous piano virtuoso and the king of composers. It was an unreleased work from three years ago,” Laura said, her voice steady. She’d heard Echo play it herself during a video call ne melody so beautiful it had stayed with her ever since.
Echo. The name sent a chill through the room. The teachers on the judges’ panel stared with wide eyes, shocked, and the whole auditorium fell silent. Anyone who had spent time in the classical music world knew about Echo. Every time Echo released a new piece, it caused a sensation. But Echo was reclusive and mysterious. Nobody knew theif age, gender, or what they looked like. If this composition had never been published, how had it ended up in Olivia’s hands?